This
netsuke of two karako resting on each other are appearing to be performing acrobat;
as one turns the netsuke sideways, the composition reveals two frontal figures
in opposing direction, with similar facial features, both are seated with hands
resting on their knees. As stated by Raymond Bushell in “Netsuke, Familiar and
Unfamiliar”, the fascinating motif of two boys transforming into four is an extraordinary
design predated Japanese netsuke by a considerable period in China, where it is
found in jade and other materials. In view of the usage worn on the two large
himotoshi, which tunneled through a small opening to the opposite side, in a rare
three cord-holes design that indicated the netsuke may well be converted from
a Chinese toggle. Judging from the archaic style of this netsuke, along with the
long and terse surface hairlines, and the varied cream white patina to a naturally
aged honey gold lustre, we can safely dated this netsuke to 18th century or earlier.